Apple’s Sexy iPhone App Ban Explained

Over the last few days Apple has inexplicably pulled a number of apps thought to be offensive or a wee bit too titillating. This isn’t the first we’ve heard of such a stunt but the latest purge has left many baffled. According to Apple’s Phil Schiller, a flood of complaints from women and parents triggered the removal of many apps with scantily clad women.

“It came to the point where we were getting customer complaints from women who found the content getting too degrading and objectionable, as well as parents who were upset with what their kids were able to see,” Mr. Schiller said.

That’s understandable, but kids are going to be kids and they’re going to find it one way or another. There’s this thing called the Internet. How old are these kids? Why do they have iPhones or iPod Touches?

Let’s not forget the real victims here – developers. I’m not saying that the smut they make available is right or wrong, but they’re just trying to put food on the table like everyone else.

Co-president of On the Go Girls Fred Clark is shocked and rightfully so, IMO. Apple didn’t seem to have any issues with their racy apps back in June when the company released its first app. And now all 50 apps have been pulled.

Others have pointed out that the SI Swimsuit app and Playboy app are still available for download, which the Times asked Schiller about. “The difference is this is a well-known company with previously published material available broadly in a well-accepted format,” he said.